Spain's Supreme Court has sentenced nine Catalan separatist leaders to between nine and 13 years in prison for sedition over their role in the 2017 independence referendum.

Three other defendants were found guilty of disobedience and fined but will not serve prison sentences.

The 12 politicians and activists had all denied the charges.

A new arrest warrant was also issued for former Catalan President Carles Puigdemont, who is living abroad.

In response to the verdicts, Catalan independence supporters marched in Barcelona before blocking some streets and access to metro stations.

BBC